December 25, 2049...

[Is this the future!?!?]

[ETHER to release the next invention that will change the world.]

[Second life closer than we think?]

Headline after headline was popping out of many news websites from the computers, phones, and even the most expensive holographic billboards everywhere. Not a single person has not seen the news on the latest release of the company ETHER.

The streets were filled with cars and hoverbikes since it was the busiest day of the year. During this time, it is not weird to see advertisements and sales fill up all the window screens of every building. But today was an exception. It may look different from window to window, but it always falls to two words

"New World"

I just finished my classes today and decided to check one of my favourite pastry shops near our college campus. I heard that today would be their last day of buy 3 get 1 for free promo. I was busy for the past few days; I do not want to let this opportunity go to waste.

"What will I get for today, will I try for something new and get their Banoffee Pie or stick to my classic chocolate Eclairs. Maybe some doughnut along with it. No, I heard their holiday pudding this year is delicious. Aah, I can't decide."

Since it was only making me more hungry thinking about the special occasion I will be doing, I checked my phone to ease some of my excitement. My phone keeps on vibrating since classes, I wonder what gives.

I was only disappointed when I saw what it was.

[New World to be launch on the first day of 2050. In contrast to many theories, ETHER Link is affordable and available to the masses.]

New World keeps on popping in my notifications feed even though I do not remember subscribing to any of those news websites. In class, they kept on talking about ETHER Link or New World to the point that I may probably know everything that can be known. Even Professor Willow took a break in teaching and joined the conversation.

So far, I know that ETHER Link is the new virtual reality technology. They said that unlike the previous virtual realities, this one is supposed to come with an Artificial Intelligence with 99% accuracy of the human mind. Not only that, but the immersive experience is also out of the world that you may forget that it is only a game and not reality. It is supposed to be a human's second life but with fantasy.

There were a lot more things I heard but those were the most noteworthy. It is nice and all, but I still do not get the hype. When did people who do not even care about gaming want to play a game so suddenly?

*Ting*

Oh, a new notification? If it is about the New World one more time, I promise to God I will buy one of each pastry available.

[Sorry Cherry, I can't go today. I'm saving up to buy the ETHER Link when it's released. You know my parents want me to be independent even though technically I'm still living with them. We can party up in the...]

I did not read the rest of it and only replied with "K".

Aria was supposed to join me today choosing but I guess she was also hooked by the second life. It is not like I hate playing games rather it is the opposite. I do not want to be hospitalized again because I did not eat for three days straight due to playing games.

I remember my parents laughing their ass off when I got released from the hospital. It is no secret to me that they were weird. They did not stop me from playing games but every time I attempt to play one, they always bring up that embarrassing story. It reached the point that even my friends know about my secrets.

So now I am trying to find new hobbies to avoid my parents' ridicules.

By the way, I am still annoyed that Aria will not come today. I never knew her as someone to be interested in a game. She probably got swayed over the New World talks for the past few days in class or anywhere.

She does not have the best financial situation, so I understand her saving for that. I can help her save up for the ETHER Link but knowing her, she will not accept it. Maybe I will just treat her with some cakes later on.

"Guess I'm alone then."

I dejectedly walked towards the pastry shop although it did not last any longer when I saw the different sweets in front of me. In the end, I have 4 boxes of assorted delicacies in my way home.

My way home was smooth sailing. It may have taken longer than usual because I do not have my hoverbike, but I was able to go home before the sun totally goes down.

"Welcome back, Charlotte. Oh, you've bought some cakes?"

"You're early today Dad. What's the occasion?"

"Mom is also here. We have something special for you, well not only for you. We'll wait for your mom to finish cooking before I show what we have in store."

"Okay, I'll go upstairs first. Just call me when it's dinner time."

I made sure to greet Mom first before I went up. It looks like she was just starting, and it will take a while before dinner is up. This means more time for me to appreciate these beauties.

I ran to my room in excitement. After carefully placing the boxes on the desk, I jumped and lay down on top of my bed to relax for a while and maybe check my phone for what is new on the internet. Well, I am sure it would still be about the New World, but it is better to watch some videos while I indulge myself in sweet heaven.

And like I expected it to be, literally, every single trending video in MonoTube was about New World or the ETHER Link. So I had no choice but choose the one with the most views and grabbed the first box.

...

It was a good video and I understand why it has 50 million views since the last two days it was posted. If not for his disclaimer that all his statements are opinions based on facts, I may have thought that he was a member of the ETHER company. He discussed some theories on what the New World may look like just with the trailers and what to expect of the ETHER Link based on the reputation of the company.

It made me even excited and wanted to buy one, but I was able to stop myself pressing the preorder button on my phone. Well even if I did, they do not accept preorders anymore because ten minutes after preordering of the ETHER Link was announced, the server of their website crashed. An amazing feat for this day and age of technology.

Although the ones fortunate enough to preorder quickly will still have their products earlier than others as promised by the CEO of the ETHER.

"Dinner is ready!"

Finishing up the second box, I cleaned up and went downstairs.